Lessons for Posterity

According to Randy Pausch, “At many colleges, professors are asked to give a 
‘last lecture.’  In this talk, they ruminate on what matters most to them.  As they speak, audiences mull the same question: What wisdom would you impart to the 
world if you knew it was your last chance?”

Pausch was asked to give a “last lecture” at Carnegie Mellon University, where he works as a professor in the computer science department.  A few weeks later, Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told that he had only a few months to live.  His opportunity to give a “last lecture” took on new meaning, for in it he wanted to discuss some key lessons that he particularly wanted to leave for his three children.

The “last lecture” that he presented in September 2007 has been viewed online by millions of people.  An excerpt of his lecture may be read and his entire last lecture may be viewed at Parade.com.

In his “last lecture” Pausch gives several very beneficial lessons like, “Dream Big,” “Dare to Take a Risk,” “Make Time for What Matters,” and “Let Kids Be Themselves.”  In sharing these lessons, Pausch often illustrates the value of the lessons from his own experiences.  He is also able to express these lessons in very thoughtful ways.  Many have benefited by reading and listening to Pausch lessons, and they (we) have been inspired by his marvelous attitude and outlook on life. *

So, what wisdom would YOU impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?

There was once a man named Solomon that gave what could be called a 
“last lecture.”  His “speech” is recorded in the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible.  In it, Solomon tells of his experiences in life and the conclusions that he has drawn along the way.  In the end, he reaches a grand conclusion – a lesson that he wanted to leave for all that would come after him:

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God 
and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment,
       including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Heeding Solomon’s wise words today will lead us to Christ – God’s answer for the greatest enemy to the abundant life now and eternal life to come.  The “enemy” is 
our SIN (Romans 3:23).

But God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die for our sins so that 
we might have forgiveness and the promise of living eternally with Him (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:23).  God will forgive those who believe in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Lessons that benefit us as we live our lives now are good.  But lessons that help us experience the abundant life now and eternal life to come are the GREATEST lessons of all!  

Won’t YOU prepare for life and eternity – and influence generations to come to do the same – through your trusting obedience to Christ?

 -- David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

* Information gleaned from “The Lessons I’m Leaving Behind” by Randy Pausch in Parade Magazine (4/6/08).  See also www.parade.com

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